JP3361811B2 - Snowboard bindings - Google Patents

Abstract

A boot for use with a snowboard having a binding for attachment to the boot. The boot includes a base, a highback, and an upper. The base includes a binding-receiving plate for attaching the boot to the binding on the snowboard. The base also has toe and heel ends. The base is formed with a toecap at the toe end and has a heel counter at the heel end. Tread projects from the bottom of the base for traction when the boot is not attached to the snowboard. The highback extends upwardly from the heel counter of the base. The highback provides aft support to the user. The upper is fixedly attached to the base and is arranged and configured to receive the foot and ankle of the user. The upper has a rearward side adjacent the highback. The upper is more flexible than the base and the highback. A base strap is connected to opposing sides of the base and extends across a portion of the upper. The binding disclosed includes a frame for attachment to the snowboard, a first coupling to secure the forward end of the boot, and a second coupling to secure the rearward end of the boot. The couplings are releasable with arms that extend from the sides of the frame. The couplings that secure the forward end of the boot may include either a set of jaws or a simple hook. Both sets of couplings hold the boot, within the sole of the boot, along an axis near the longitudinal center axis of the sole of the boot.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to bindings for sports equipment, and more particularly to sports boots and binding devices for releasable attachment to snowboards and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Snowboarding has been in use for many years and snowboarding is becoming a popular winter sport. Snowboards are controlled by weight and foot movements in both lateral and longitudinal directions.
Precise control of the edges is important, especially in alpine snowboarding, where it is preferable to carve the edges to form grooves in the snow surface rather than to slide. Therefore, small movements of the snowboarder's foot in the boot have a great influence on the user's control over the movement of the snowboard.
However, the flexibility of the boot is also important when recreational snowboarding and freestyle snowboarding. Despite the widespread importance of these two desirable factors of edge control and flexibility, snowboard boots generally do not provide both of these satisfactorily.

To provide control, climbing shoe-type boots have been used especially in Europe. These boots have a rigid outer shell made of molded plastic and a soft inner liner. These boots are attached to the snowboard using mountaineering or plate bindings. Plate bindings are attached to the board under the front and back portions of the bottom of the boot and typically provide heel and toe pressers to secure the boot in place, usually without a safety release mechanism. provide. These boots are
It is rigid enough to provide the desired edge control and stability for carving. However, these boots are too stiff and do not have sufficient lateral flexibility, a key sporting move important for freestyle fans and desirable for all-round snowboarders. As a result, many snowboarders feel that mountain boots are too restrained.

Freestyle snowboarding requires the snowboarder's ankle to be larger and more freely movable relative to the board than is possible with mountain boots. Even in the case of recreational all-round snowboarding, the boot needs to be somewhat flexible. The rigid mountain boots had little lateral flexibility, and only the edges were flexible forward and backward. For the sake of flexibility, many American snowboarders
We chose to combine insulated snow boots with "soft shell" bindings. These bindings have a rigid base attached to the board, a highback shell, straps that wrap around the boots, and buckles that secure the straps in place. Boots
Standard insulated snow boots or slightly modified snow boots when removed from the binding. The flexibility provided by the snow boots and relatively soft binding made edge control more difficult and harder to put on and take off than mountain boots. Snowboarders have tried to increase edge control by tightening the binding straps around the boot. However, overtightening in this way greatly reduces comfort. Again, problems arise every time the snowboarder reaches a flat terrain, the bottom of a hill, or a chair lift. The snowboarder must move at least one binding strap off the buckle and swiftly by pushing it with his free foot in a skateboard-like manner. This is time consuming and annoying. This is because it is difficult to properly fix and tighten the binding. It is dangerous to get on and off the chairlift with only one boot permanently attached to the snowboard, and the leverage of the board acting on one ankle or knee leads to injury when falling.

Manufacturers have attempted to provide both edge control and flexibility in plate bindings for use with rigid mountain boots. The plate binding is easy to put on and take off, and there is no need to open the buckle or tighten the strap. Furthermore, these bindings can be made releasable in response to the forces exerted during use. Plate binding manufacturers have sought to solve the problem of lateral flexibility from several different angles. For example, one type of binding manufactured by Emery provides a two-piece plate consisting of two parts. One of these parts is for the heel and the other is for the toe. Under each of the toe plate and heel plate, a rectangular rubber pad having a height of 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) is arranged. The rubber pad acts as a shock absorber and is provided to provide side-to-side flexibility.

In another attempt, Swiss-style mountaineering bindings (Swiss mo
An improved version of the untaineering binding) was used. A rigid plate was attached to the board. Two rectangular boxes on the toe and heel support the spring steel cage.
A retainer is coupled to the cage and acts as a cantilever in creating side-to-side deflection. However, such attempts sacrifice some edge control by softening the interface between the boot and the board too much to provide the desired lateral flexibility.

In general, the public has been unsatisfied with the use of binding plates to solve the problems of flexibility and control dichotomy and ease of removal. A serious snowboarder who does both curve racing turns and “board ″ freestyle” buys two boards and two sets of bindings and boots. Those who snowboard at or who cannot afford to buy two boards in general will generally define one or the other and, thus, the performance and / or performance of one or the other.
Or sacrifice convenience.

The boot of the present invention solves the flexibility / control problem by going in a different direction than previous attempts. The present invention provides a boot that allows much of the flexibility of a soft shell boot / binding structure while retaining the advantages of control and ease of attachment / detachment of a mountain boot / binding structure. Thus, the present invention allows for greater comfort, convenience, all-round performance, and safety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides boots and bindings for snowboards. The boots are flexible while still providing adequate support for snowboard edge control.
Moreover, the boots are not only much easier to use than typical freestyle boots, as they do not require soft shell bindings, but also step-in bindings can be used.

The binding secures a boot having a front portion and a rear portion to the snowboard. The boot has a front mounting member below the front portion and a rear mounting member below the rear portion. The binding has a binding frame, a first jaw, a second jaw, and a first release mechanism. The binding frame is formed to be attached to the snowboard. The first jaw is fixed to the frame and is configured and formed to grip at least one of the front and rear attachment members. Further, the second jaw is fixed to the frame at a location spaced from the first jaw so as to grip the other of the front and rear attachment members. The first release mechanism is connected to the first jaw,
It functions to open the chin and release the boot from the first chin.

In one preferred form of the invention, the binding is
It also has a second release mechanism, which is coupled to the second jaw to open the second jaw and release the boot. In one embodiment, the first and second release mechanisms are connected to each other. This can provide a mechanism to simultaneously release the first and second jaws. One preferred form of the invention further comprises a binding plate connected to the first and second jaws as part of the frame. The binding plate has a surface on which at least a portion of the boot rests.

In one preferred embodiment, the second jaw is fixed and does not move relative to the frame during release of the boot. Thus, by releasing the first jaw, the first and second attachment members can be released from the first and second jaws. Preferably, the first release mechanism has a slide member attached to the first jaw and a lever pivotally attached to the slide member. When the lever is moved, the slide member slides and the first jaw moves. A first static jaw is fixed to the frame adjacent the first jaw.

The present invention is briefly described in terms of boots, frames, actuating jaws (mo
vable jaw), and a snowboard binding device having a jaw moving mechanism. A first attachment member is secured to the bottom of the boot near the longitudinal axis. The frame can be fixed to the snowboard.
The actuating jaw is attached to the frame and positioned to engage the first attachment member of the boot.
Further, a jaw moving mechanism is attached to the frame and is connected to the operating jaw. The jaw moving mechanism has a release arm that extends to the sides of the frame and to the sides of the boot when the actuating jaws are engaged.

In one embodiment, the bottom of the boot has a flexible pad secured to the side of the first attachment member. The flexible pad is compressible and elastic, and when the actuating jaws engage,
Allow the boot to pivot about the first attachment member. The flexible pad is preferably removable and replaceable, and flexible pads of various durometer hardness can be used.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second mounting member is fixed to the bottom of the boot. The second jaw is also attached to the frame and is engageable with the second attachment member. In this same embodiment, the first attachment member is generally located under the rear portion of the boot and the second attachment member is
Overall, it is located under the front part of the boot. First
The mounting member comprises a first rod extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boot sole. The bottom of the boot has a rear recess in which the first rod is retained above the lowermost portion of the sole.

In one embodiment, the second attachment member comprises a second rod extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boot bottom.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the second jaw is fixed relative to the frame. The second jaw has a hook, and the second attachment member can engage under the hook. The second mounting member comprises a second rod extending substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the boot sole. The bottom has a front recess in which the second rod is retained above the bottom-most member of the bottom.

Another feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is the construction of the boot having a front end, a rear end, and a highback extending upwardly from the rear end. The highback provides rear support for the boot. An upper is fixedly attached to the bottom or base of the boot. The rear side of the upper is adjacent to the highback and is more flexible than the highback.

A preferred form of the present invention is simply a snowboard binding for securing a snowboard boot having a front attachment element under the front end of the boot and a rear attachment element under the rear end of the boot. Can be said. The binding has a frame, a front connecting means, and a rear connecting means. The frame can be fixed to the snowboard. The front connecting means is fixed to the frame. The front coupling means can engage the front mounting element of the boot. The rear coupling means are also fixed to the frame and can engage rear mounting elements of the boot. The rear connecting means has a release arm extending from a side of the frame, the arm having a boot when the boot engages the rear connecting means.
It projects adjacent to the sides of the boot.

The frame has at least one mounting plate that can be secured to the snowboard in a plurality of angular orientations with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard. Such fixation is accomplished by fixing the frame to the snowboard with screws that pass through curved slots in the mounting plate. The frame further has two rails projecting upward from the mounting plate and integrally formed with the mounting plate. These rails are spaced from each other to receive the bottom of the boot in between. The rail has a front end and a rear end. A front bridge is mounted between the front ends of the rails and a rear bridge is mounted between the rear ends of the rails. The front bridge secures the front connecting means and the rear bridge secures the rear connecting means. In the preferred embodiment, the anterior coupling means has an actuating jaw located near the center of the posterior bridge. In addition, a stationary jaw is provided adjacent to the working jaw. The actuating jaw is pressed towards the stationary jaw and the release arm is connected to the actuating jaw. The front coupling means has hook members attached to the frame near the front bridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Many of the above-mentioned features of the present invention and the advantages associated with these features will be readily understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a snowboard boot showing a boot attached to a snowboard, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lightweight boot shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base and highback of the boot shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4A is a bottom view of the boot shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 showing the binding mounting plate in the recess. 4B is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the boot showing one binding mounting plate in the recess, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the binding mounting plate secured to the base of the boot. 6A is a plan view of a snowboard showing one embodiment of the binding, FIG. 6B is a plan view of a snowboard showing another embodiment of the binding, and FIG. 6C is a plan view of the snowboard together with the boot shown in FIG. 4B. Messenger FIG. 7 is a plan view of a snowboard showing one embodiment of a binding to be carried out, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the boot of the present invention having both a base strap and a high back strap, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the boot shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a side view of the heel of the boot of FIGS. 7 and 8, showing a rear stop that limits rearward movement of the highback, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a boot of a modified example of the present invention having no highback strap, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a boot of another modified example of the present invention having an integrated highback, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of a snowboard boot and binding, showing a boot attached to a snowboard with a binding, and FIG. 13 is an example of the snowboard binding with an example. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the bottom of the boot showing alignment, Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the binding shown in an open position, and Figure 15 is a cross-section of the binding shown in Figure 14 in a closed position. Figure 16 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the binding shown in a closed position; Figure 17 is a sectional view of the binding shown in Figure 16 in the open position; FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a snowboard binding shown in a closed position, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the binding shown in FIG. 18 in the open position, and FIG. 20 is open simultaneously. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the bottom of a snowboard boot above an embodiment of a snowboard binding having a front connecting jaw and a rear connecting jaw, and FIG. 21 is a snowboard binding of the present invention showing the binding attached to the snowboard. Another of FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the embodiment, FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a rear connecting mechanism of the binding shown in FIG. 21, and FIG. 23 is a snowboard for connecting to the binding shown in FIG. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the lower side of the boot, and FIG. 24 shows the snowboard boot and the boot shown in FIG. 23.
Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the snowboard binding shown in Figure 21, positioned so that the boot is attached to the binding; Figure 25 is a partial cross-section showing the boot and binding of Figure 24 fixed on the snowboard. It is a figure.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to FIG. 1, which shows a boot 20 of the present invention.
Is shown in a ready-to-ride position attached to the snowboard. Each boot 20 has a base 24, a high back 26, and an upper 28. The user's foot is wrapped by the base 24. The highback 26 is pivotally attached to the base 24,
It extends behind the upper 28 and partially over the sides of the upper. The upper 28 is fixed to the base 24. Thus, a snowboard boot 20 is provided in which a soft upper is combined with a support consisting of a soft shell binding incorporated into the boot itself. In this configuration, the user may conveniently use standard step-in bindings or other special step-in bindings discussed below.

Details of the boot 20 will be discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. The base 24 is preferably made of a semi-rigid material that is flexible to some extent and is elastic. The base 24 has a base structure similar to the bottom structure of a boot for hiking or climbing, for example. Base 24
Is a toe cap 30, heel counter 32, and tread 34
Have. The toe cap 30 is preferably an integrally formed portion of the base 24. A toe cap 30 surrounds the front end of the toe or upper 28. Alternatively, the toe cap 30 may not be used or the toe cap may be formed of a different material than the rest of the base 24, for example rubber. The function of the toe cap 30 is to protect the front end of the upper 28 from wear and water. Boot-The toe cap 30 is a snowboard depending on the snowboard configuration.
It should extend slightly outside the edge of 22. Thus, toe cap 30 not only protects upper 28, but also protects the user's foot from injury. Additionally, the toe cap 30 extends across the sides of the base of the big toe of the user. This configuration provides additional lateral support and torsional support for the user's foot.

The base 24 further includes a heel counter 32 extending upward from the heel or rear end of the base 24. The heel counter 32 surrounds and wraps the heel portion of the upper 28 and provides lateral support for the user's heel. Like the toe cap 30, the heel counter 32
Are preferably formed as an integral part of the base 24. However, in the modified example, the heel counter
The 32 may be made of a material different from that of the base 24 and attached to the base 24.

The tread surface 34 extends downward from the base 24. Tread 34
Are preferably formed of a different material than the rest of the base 24. The structure of the tread 34 is preferably a sole (So
rels) similar to the traditional snow boots sold under the name. The tread 34 is, in a variant, a Vibram rubber commonly used in hiking boots.
r), and the base 24 has a composite shank made of metal or plastic. The toe end of the tread 34 is angled upward toward the toe cap 30 so that it does not interfere with the edging of the snowboard when the toe end of the boot 20 extends slightly outside the edge of the snowboard. The heel end of the tread 34 is also a heel counter
It makes an angle of about 45 degrees upward toward 32.

The highback 26 is pivotally attached to the heel counter 32 by a highback pivot 36. The pivot is preferably a sturdy rivet, but in the alternative it could be any other type of conventional pivot fastener. In the variations discussed below, the highback pivot 36 can be offset rearward or not used at all. Heel counter 32
In order to properly pivot the highback 26,
It has an upward protrusion that allows the highback pivot 36 to be positioned just below the bone of the ankle of the user. The highback 26 is preferably formed of a resilient plastic material that is sufficiently rigid to support the user's ankle as desired. The highback 26 extends upward from the heel counter 32 and is adjacent to the rear and side portions of the upper 28. The highback 26 preferably has greater rear support than lateral support, as described below.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the highback 26 has a cuff 38 that completely surrounds the ankle of the user. A high back strap 40 is attached to the cuff 38 to attach the ends of the cuff 38 to each other and to help secure the user's foot within the upper 28.

The upper 28 is fixedly attached to the base 24 by being fixed below the rest of the base 24 (not shown). Toe cap 30 and heel counter 32
Can be glued to the upper 28. However, the highback 26 is preferably not fixedly attached to the upper 28. This is to allow the highback and upper to move relative to each other. Upper 28
Extend above the highback 26. Upper 28 is
Shoelaces (not shown) and the shoelaces and the user's feet with snow, ice,
And a shoelace cover 42 for protection against ingress of moisture. The shoelace cover 42 is connected to the upper 28 adjacent to the toe cap 30 and is held in place on the shoelace by hook-loop fasteners (not shown) provided below the edges of the shoelace cover 42. . The upper 28 is preferably
In principle it is made of leather, but in a variant it can be made of ballistic nylon or other flexible natural or artificial material. A conventional tongue 44 is also provided in the upper 28.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, upper straps 46 are mounted on cuff 38 between opposite sides of upper 28.
The upper straps 46 help secure the upper portion of the upper 28 to the user's legs. Upper strap 46
Using a hook-loop type fastener, passed through a buckle (not shown) and then folded back on itself. A padded liner 48 is sewn to the upper 28 to receive, cushion, and insulate the user's foot.

One other feature of boot 20 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is bottom lip 50 and stop block 52. The bottom lip 50 is formed integrally with the rear edge of the heel counter 32. The bottom lip 50 projects outward. The stop block 52 is mounted directly above the bottom lip 50 and behind the highback 26. Contact between the lower edge of the stop block 52 and the upper edge of the bottom lip 50 causes the highback 26 to stop pivoting. The position of the stop block 52 can be changed in order to change the forward inclination of the highback 26 to be larger or smaller. Stop block 52 and bottom lip 50 are shown in more detail in FIG.

Two different embodiments of the bottom of the boot 20 are shown in Figures 4A and 4B.
Shown in the figure. Although a basic tread pattern is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in the modification, any tread pattern can be used. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the base 24 has a front recess 54 and a rear recess 56. The front recess 54 and the rear recess 56 are surrounded by the tread surface 34. The front recess 54 and the rear recess 56 are preferably rectangular, but may be any shape required for connection with a snowboard step-in binding. Front and rear boot plates
58 are mounted inside the front recess 54 and the rear recess 56. Boot plate 58 is secured by fasteners 60. The boot plate 58 is also rectangular, but has a forward recess to allow the jaws of the snowboard binding to firmly grasp the edge of the boot plate 58.
Slightly smaller than 54 and rear recess 56. Preferably, the minor axis of boot plate 58 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of base 24.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the base 24 has a single recess 55 surrounded by a tread surface 34. The recess 55 is preferably rectangular, but in a variant it could be any shape desired for connection with a snowboard step-in binding. A boot plate 58c is mounted inside the recess 55 and is secured by fasteners 60. Furthermore, the boot plate 58c is preferably rectangular and somewhat smaller than the recess 55. The long axis of boot plate 58c is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of base 24.

FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the boot plate 58. The boot plate 58 has an inverted T-shaped cross-section and constitutes a protruding edge that can be firmly grasped by the jaws of the snowboard binding. Further, FIG. 5 shows how the bottom of the tread 34 projects below the boot plate 58.

6A, 6B, and 6C show one type of binding in three different configurations that can be used in connection with the boot 20 of the present invention. The binding shown is a step-in binding similar to a step-in binding for skis. Binding plate 62 is a snowboard
It is attached to 22. The binding plate 62 is
It is large enough to rest most of the tread 34 on it. Toe binding 64 and heel binding
66 is attached to the binding plate 62. The toe and heel bindings are spring loaded jaws that engage the boot plate 58 to hold the boot 20 in place. The jaws of the toe binding 64 and the heel binding 66 grip the edges of the boot plate 58 and limit the movement of the boot plate 58 in all directions.

The configuration shown in FIG. 6A can be used when the boot 20 and the base 24 are sufficiently rigid to hold the front and rear boot plates 58 spaced a fixed distance apart. The less rigid base 24 is a toe binding shown in Figure 6B.
Can be used with 64b and heel binding 66b. This is because all sides of the front and rear boot plates 58 are held by individual bindings. Figure 6C shows
4B shows a configuration of a toe binding 64c and a heel binding 66c for attachment to a single boot plate 58c shown in FIG. 4B. One toe binding 64c is attached to the front side of the boot plate 58c and one heel binding 66c is attached to the rear side of the boot plate 58c.
Obviously, other configurations are possible. Plate bindings currently available can also be used to hold the boot 20 to the snowboard 22. For this purpose, boots are used to accept such conventional plate binding toe and heel presses, such as those manufactured by Emery and Burton, which have come to be used with hiking boots. 20 toes and heels can be provided with ridges. Boots 20 when not snowboarding
It is preferable that the base 24 has a low rigidity. This is because it is easy to walk.

Modified examples of the boot 20 are shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. The main differences between this embodiment and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are discussed below. Although generally bulky due to the increased thickness of material for increased insulation and robustness, boot 20 'has bare laces 68, loops 70, and base straps 72. A shoelace cover may be used, but the shoelace 68 is bare and extends over the upper 28 of the boot 20 '.
The loop 70 is attached to the rear side of the upper 28.
Loop 70 is preferably made of leather. The function of loop 70 is simply to assist the user in wearing boot 20 '.

The boot 20 'further includes a base strap 72 connected to opposite sides of the base 24, the base strap extending across the upper side of the upper 28 in front of the user's ankle.
The heel counter 32 is actually a base strap 72
Extend forward to attach. The heel counter 32 distributes pressure to the heel end of the base 24 of the boot 20 '. Strap fasteners 74 secure the base strap 72 inward, and a buckle 84, ratchet 80, and knurled base strap 82 secure the base strap 72 outward. The strap fasteners 74 are standard screws that fit into a receiving sleeve (not shown) engaged within the base 24. Adjustment holes 76 along the edges of the base strap 72
Is provided to provide coarse adjustment of the base strap 72 by stopping the different holes with strap fasteners 74. The base strap 72 is preferably made of a strong plastic material or composite material, but can also be made of metal, leather, or other material that can withstand the forces applied. A strap pad 78 is attached to the underside of the base strap 72. Strap pad
The 78 is made of foam with a urethane cover.

A buckle 84 is riveted to the other side of the heel counter 32. The buckle 84 secures the knurled base strap 82 and provides a fulcrum for tightening the base strap 72. Alternatively, different types of buckles or tightening devices can be used. In the buckle configuration shown in FIG. 8, the buckle 84 is lifted and the knurled base strap 82 is slid within the ratchet 80 a desired distance and the base strap 72 is tightened by closing the buckle 84.

Boot 20 'shown in FIG. 7 and FIGS. 1, 2 and 3
Another difference from the boots 20 shown is the highback 26.
It is a form of. The highback 26 of the boot 20 'does not have a cuff extending across the front side of the upper 28. by this,
Increases lateral flexibility of boot 20 '. At this time, the rear support is complete. Upper 28 is provided with some additional support by highback straps 40. The highback strap 40 is a highback in this embodiment.
It's just a strap with hook-loop fasteners extending from 26 slots. High back 26, upper 28
As it extends upward along the rear side, it is slightly further away from the sides of the upper 28, which may increase lateral flexibility.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the boot 20 'and shows the stop block 52 and bottom lip 50 in greater detail. Stop block
52 and bottom lip 50 are substantially the same as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The stop block 52 is held by two fasteners that can be loosened to remove or reverse the stop block 52. In the block 52, one side of the hole extends more than the other side, and the inclination angle of the highback 26 toward the front can be changed by reversing the hole. Other conventional systems for adjusting the forward tilt angle can also be used.

Another variation of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to FIG. The boot 20 ″ shown in FIG. 10 is different from the boot 20 ′ shown in FIG. 7 in the high back 26. The high back 26 has no strap and does not extend largely to the side of the upper 28. The highback pivot 36 is slightly offset towards the rear end of the heel counter 32. The highback pad 88 attaches to the inside surface of the highback 26 of the boot 20 ″. is there. The highback pad 88 can be added to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the highback 26 is an integral extension of the heel counter 32 instead of being hinged to the heel counter 32. A high degree of lateral movement is allowed, but backward movement is constrained by the highback 26. If desired, lateral stiffness can be increased by adding a high back strap as shown in FIG. The bottom lip 50 and the stop block 52 are not used in the integrated high-back structure.

Next, an embodiment of the binding of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. Thereafter, three variations of the preferred design will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 16-20.

FIG. 12 shows the boot 120 fixed to the snowboard 22. The boot 120 is the same as the boot described above with reference to FIG. Each boot 120
Has a base 124, a highback 126, an upper 128, a toe cap 130, a heel counter 132, a tread 134, and a highback strap 140. The base and the tread form the bottom. These reference numbers are the reference numbers described with reference to FIG. 8 plus 100. Thus, the elements of the boot of this embodiment are numbered 100 to 199.

The binding elements in this example are numbered in the 200 series. Bindings are binding plate 262, toe binding 264, heel binding
Has 266. Boot plate toe binding 264
And is fixed to the snowboard 22 below the area where the boot 120 rests when mounted on the heel binding 266. Portions of the toe binding 264 and the heel binding 266 extend laterally outward from the outside of the binding plate 262.

FIG. 13 shows the bottom of the boot 120 and the toe binding 264.
And the basic elements of heel binding 266 are shown. The tread surface 134 of the boot 120 is made up of a number of flexible pads 192 secured to the base 124 of the boot 120. The flexible pad 192 is
It is preferably made of a deformable elastic rubber-like material. Thus, the flexible pad 192 is slightly compressed when pressed against the binding plate 262 with sufficient force. For fixed attachment of the flexible pad 192 to the base 124, the flexible pad 192 has a rigid layer on its upper side. Since the flexible pad 192 is compressible, the boot 120
Can be moved laterally inward around the point where the boot 120 is attached to the toe binding 264 and the heel binding 266. The flexible pad 192 is preferably removably attached to the base 124 so that attachment of the flexible pad of varying durometer will center the point of attachment of the boot 120 to the toe binding 264 and heel binding 266. Can be deflected laterally inward as desired, i.e. can be pivoted. A thick flexible pad 192 can also be used to change the cant of the boot 120.

Toe rod 159 and heel rod 158 are flexible pads 192
Secured to the base 124 of the boot 120 between. Toe rod 159 and heel rod 158 are preferably steel rods and extend substantially parallel to and along the same longitudinal axis of the bottom of boot 120. The heel rod 158 and toe rod 159 are secured to the base 124 by a support or block 190. Block 190 is
Preferably, it has a parallelepiped shape and the heel rod 158.
And is arranged along the same axis as the toe rod 159. Block 190 is a flexible pad 192 with durometer hardness.
Higher than. This is a heel rod 158 and a toe rod 1
This is because the boots 120 are pivoted around the 59 about the same axis. In other words, the boot 120 is locked or pivotally attached to the block 190. Block 190
Are secured to the front and back of each of the heel rod 158 and the toe rod 159 and form a substantial ridge along the longitudinal center of the bottom of the boot 120.

The binding plate 262 is fixed to the snowboard 22 in a preferred orientation and is held in that orientation by the adjustment plate 210. The adjustment plate 210 includes a snowboard 22 as described in detail below in connection with FIG.
It is screwed to. The binding plate 262 forms a surface on which the flexible pad 192 rests and on which the flexible pad is compressed.

In this embodiment, the toe binding 264 and heel binding 266 are the same. Each binding has a stationary jaw 200 and an actuating jaw 202, which are heel rods.
Clamp 158 and tow rod 159. The stationary jaw 200 remains fixed in place and constitutes a recess into which the working jaw 202 enters when closed. Stationary jaw 200, heel rod 1
It projects upwardly from the binding plate 262 a distance sufficient to allow it to project inside one of the recesses 156 and 154 surrounding 58 and tow rod 159, respectively. The stationary jaw projects to one side of the recess and the actuating jaw 202 projects to the other side surrounding the rod. The upper part of the stationary jaw 200 is C
While being letter-shaped, the upper portion of actuating jaw 202 is inverted L-shaped. Thus, the actuating jaws 202 will have the stationary jaws 200 when closed.
And fully encloses the rod to which the working jaw is secured. Lever 204 is used to move actuating jaw 202 laterally or inwardly with respect to boot 120. In FIG. 13, the lever 204 is shown in the open position with the actuating jaw 202 away from the stationary jaw 200.

14 and 15 show the binding mechanism 206 for both the toe binding 264 and the heel binding 266. As shown in FIG. 14, when the actuating jaw 202 is in the open position relative to the stationary jaw 200, sufficient space is created to fit the heel rod 158 between the jaws. Thus, when the lever 204 is in the upper position, the boot can be inserted between the jaws before being secured by the binding. The binding mechanism includes housing 208, lever 204, and link.
214, slide plate 212, stationary jaw 200 and working jaw 2
02 is included. The lever 204 has a link 214 at the center thereof.
Is pivotally attached to. The link 214 is also pivotally attached at its other end to the housing 208. The bottom end of the lever 204 is pivotally attached to the slide plate 212. Slide plate 212
Extends from a bottom portion of lever 204 under a portion of housing 208 and is integrally connected to actuating jaw 202. Movement of lever 204 causes lever 204 to pivot about its pivot attachment to link 214. Link 214 is housing 208
It is held in place by its connection to. Thus, movement of lever 204 causes slide plate 212 to translate laterally or inwardly to open and close actuating jaw 202 relative to stationary jaw 200. The stationary jaw 200 is an integral part of the housing 208 and preferably extends upwardly from the housing as described above.

The closed position of the binding mechanism 206 is shown in FIG. The lever 204 is pushed downwards, thus pulling the slide plate 212 laterally, which causes
The actuating jaw 202 is closed around the heel rod 158.
Thus, the heel rod 158 remains trapped between the stationary jaw 200 and the working jaw 202. In addition, the operating jaw 202
The C-shaped recess at the end of the heel helps the heel rod 158 resist the upward force exerted on the actuating jaw 202.
When the lever 204 is closed, the pivotal attachment of the link 214 and the slide plate 212 to the lever 204 causes the actuating jaw 202 to move.
First, the lever 204 passes through the over-center position so as to maintain the closed position when a force is applied to the lever. Thus, the pivotal attachment of slide plate 212 to lever 204 is positioned such that it is above the axis of link 214.

16 and 17 show an alternative mechanism that can be used with the same boot 120. The binding mechanism 306 includes a lever 30 that is laterally pivoted to a housing 308 with a pivot pin 318.
Having 4. The lever 304 has a slide plate at its bottom end.
It is pivotally attached to 312. The slide plate 312 is a lever
It has a tab 321 protruding upward inside its pivot connection to the 304. A cylindrical compression coil spring 316 is disposed between the tab 320 and the housing 308. Thus, pushing lever 304 downwards causes slide plate 312 to move laterally, causing tab 320 to compress spring 316. Thus, the slide plate 312 causes the spring 31 to exert a pressing force on the tab 320.
Pressed inward by 6. This binding mechanism 306
Now, the working jaw 302 is on the side of the heel rod 158 and the stationary jaw 300 is on the inside. Thus, the slide plate 312
Extends below the housing 308 and is connected to the actuating jaw 302. The actuating jaw projects laterally of the heel rod 158 and up through the housing 308. Heel rod 1 for attaching boot 120 to binding mechanism 306
Push 58 between actuating jaw 302 and stationary jaw 300. The stationary jaw 3 so that a V-shape that pushes in the heel rod 158 is formed.
The upper portion of both 00 and actuating jaw 302 are angled downward facing inward. When the heel rod 158 is pushed into this V-shape, a lateral force is exerted on the actuating jaw 302 and thus the slide plate 312, causing the actuating jaw 302 to move away from the stationary jaw 300 and an opening for fitting the heel rod 158. To form. Once the heel rod 158 extends below the upper portion of the actuation jaw 302, the actuation jaw 302 is free to close over the heel rod 158, causing the heel rod 158 to close.
Enclose between 302 and stationary jaw 300. No corresponding V-shape is provided on the underside of the operating jaw 302. Therefore, the operating jaw 302 does not open due to the upward pressure of the heel rod 158. The actuating jaw 302 pushes the lever 304 downwards to force the spring 316.
The operating jaws 302 by compressing and pulling on the slide plate 312.
It is released by moving away from the stationary jaw 300.

Another preferred embodiment of binding mechanism 406 is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. The binding mechanism 406 has a lever 404 whose bottom end is pivotally attached to the housing 408. Spring 416
Is coiled around a pivot pin 418, and this spring holds the lever 404 pivotally. Spring 4
The ends of 16 exert an upward force on lever 404 and a downward force on housing 408. The spring 416 receives a load in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the coil axis thereof,
In the case of the spring 316 shown in Figures 16 and 17, the load is applied along the longitudinal axis through the center of the coil. The link 414 is pivotally attached to the center of the lever 404, and the other end is pivotally attached to the slide plate 412. The slide plate 412 extends within the housing 408 under the stationary jaw 400 and is integrally connected to the actuating jaw 402. Actuating jaw 402
Has a hook extending upwardly from the slide plate 412 and surrounding the heel rod 158. The ends of the static jaw 400 and the actuating jaw 402 are formed with a V-shape similar to that discussed above in connection with FIGS. 16 and 17. Thus, pressing the heel rod 158 against the stationary jaw 400 and the actuating jaw 402 separates the V-shape and allows the heel rod 158 to be enclosed between the actuating jaw 402 and the stationary jaw 400. In this example, the actuating jaw 402 is inside the heel rod 158 and the stationary jaw 400 is on the side.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the lever 404 is pushed downward, the link 414 moves the slide plate 412 inward to open the stationary jaw 400 and the operating jaw 402. The boot 120 can then be removed from the binding mechanism 406.

FIG. 20 shows a modification of the toe binding 264 and the heel binding 266. In this embodiment, the bar 526 includes a toe binding 264 so that both the toe binding 264 and the heel binding 266 can be opened and closed together.
Extending between the lever of the heel binding 266 and the lever of the heel binding 266. The adjustment plate 210 is shown in more detail in FIG. The adjustment plate 210 has a cover 211 that fits in the central slot 224. The cover 211 merely covers the slots 522 and the screws that engage the adjustment plates 210 and thus these slots 522 to secure the binding plate 262 to the snowboard 22. The position of the binding plate 262 can be adjusted by loosening the adjustment plate 210 and rotating the entire binding plate with the toe binding 264 and heel binding 266 about the adjustment plate 210. The adjustment plate 210 is circular to allow this rotation. Binding plate 26
2 can be moved in the front-back direction by loosening the screw in the slot 522, moving the adjusting plate 210 in the front-back direction, and sliding the screw in the slot 522.

All of the bindings of the above embodiments can be used with the boots described above, and, in the alternative, in the case of boots that do not have a highback, the highback is done as is done with a cantilever freestyle snowboard binding. Is attached to the binding frame.

Another preferred embodiment of a boot and binding having many of the binding features described above, but with some changes, will now be described in connection with FIGS. 21-25. This binding has a toe binding 664 that differs from the heel binding 666. The tow binding 664 is made primarily of hooks 650. The heel binding 666 is in many respects similar to the binding mechanism 406 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 and described above. The heel binding 666 has a stationary jaw 600 and an actuating jaw 602. On top of these jaws, so that when the boot 720 is pushed down over these jaws, the jaws are separated,
A V-shaped angled portion is provided.

The basic construction of the binding of this variation is that the heel binding is held by a rear bridge 632 that extends across the width of the boot heel, and the front bridge 634 extends under the boot under the base of the big toe. Has been formed. Front bridge 634 and rear bridge 6
The 32 are connected to each other by side rails 628. The side rails 628 are generally perpendicular to the snowboard 22, and are fixed to the snowboard 22 with a mounting plate 630 protruding vertically outward from the siderails 628.

Side rail 628 and mounting plate 630 are each integrally formed and are preferably made of aluminum.
The aluminum side rail 628 with an L-shaped cross section
It is generally rectangular and the longitudinal axis is parallel to the surface of the snowboard 22. Each mounting plate 630 lays flat on the snowboard 22 and has one edge connected to the side rails 628 that is straight, the other edge is curved outward, and the ends are side rails. United with 628. Each mounting plate 630 is provided with an adjustment slot 622. The adjustment slot 622 is a segment of a circle that is approximately concentric with the center of the overall binding mechanism. A screw 646 engages in the adjustment slot 622 and secures the mounting plate 630 and thus the entire binding structure to the snowboard 22. Thus, the mounting plate 630 is attached to the snowboard 22.
The entire mechanism can be pivoted by loosening the screw 646 that secures to.

The side rail 628 has mounting holes 642 through which the front bridge 634 and the rear bridge 632 can be fixed. A flange 636 for fixing to the side rail 628 is provided at the outer end of the rear bridge 632. The flange 636 projects upward from the outer edge of the rear bridge 632 and makes a snug contact with the side rail 628. Fasteners 640 to secure the rear bridge 632 to the side rails 628,
The flange 636 is also provided with a hole. Similarly, flanges 638 are also provided at both ends of the front bridge 634 to perform the same function for the front bridge 634 as the flange 636 for the rear bridge 632.

The front bridge 634 has a generally parallelepiped shape.
The height of the front bridge 634 is preferably only a few millimeters and the length of the bridge extends beyond the width of the front portion of the boot to connect the side rails 628. The width of the front bridge 634 is preferably only a few centimeters. A ridge 648 is preferably provided along the center of the front bridge 634 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the front bridge 634. The ridge 648 helps position the boot on the toe binding 664. The hook 650 projects upward from the ledge 648 and is preferably formed of two substantially flat plate-like portions. The first part projects upwards and the second part forms a hook part projecting rearward.

The rear bridge also extends between the side rails 628. The height of the rear bridge is only a few millimeters and the width is slightly larger than the width of the front bridge 634. A retraction link 644 is provided to open the actuating jaw 602, as described in more detail below.

FIG. 22 shows the heel binding 666 in detail. An A-shaped jaw sheath 656 is provided on the rear side of the operating jaw 602. The stationary jaw 600 is similar to that discussed above in connection with FIGS. 18 and 19. The actuating jaw 602 projects upward through the housing 608 and bends towards the stationary jaw 600 to form an enclosure for securing the heel rod 659, discussed below. A slide plate extends inwardly within housing 608 from the lower portion of actuating jaw 602. An end portion of the slide plate 612 projects upward, and a cylindrical coil spring is fixed between the upward projection end portion of the slide plate 612 and the housing 608 below the stationary jaw 600. A guide rod 654 is provided along the axis of the spring 616. The spring 616 is a compression spring and urges the actuating jaw 602 against the stationary jaw 600 in the closing direction. The actuating jaw 602 can be opened by pulling on the retraction link 644. The retraction link 644 is pivotally attached to a retraction arm 652 that extends within the housing 608 and is connected to the actuating jaw 602. Thus, withdrawal link 6
Pulling 44 laterally compresses spring 616, causing actuation jaw 6
02 moves away from stationary jaw 600 and snowboard boots can be removed from heel binding 666. The retract link 644 may be laced to facilitate grasping and retracting the retract arm 652.

The binding mechanism shown in FIG. 22 is preferably the 21st
Although used with the bindings shown, any of the binding mechanisms described above may be used instead. Additionally, alternative configurations and other binding mechanisms that hold the heel of the boot in place may be used.

Details of the boot 720 associated with the bindings described above will now be discussed with reference to FIG. Boots 720, upper 7
It has 28, a heel counter 732, and a base 724. A tread 734 is attached to the base 724 and constitutes the bottom of the boot 720. A rear recess is provided under the heel of the boot 720, which recess is configured and arranged to rest on the rear bridge 632. Thus, the rear recess
The 770 extends over the heel portion of the tread 734. Similarly, a front recess 768 is provided below the front portion of the boot that corresponds to the base of the big toe. The front recess 768 has a sloped portion 755 that is angled upward from the bottom of the front recess 768.
Have. The sloped portion 755 allows the hook 650 to slide therein and be secured to the tow rod 758. The toe rod 758 is a rod support 77 in the front recess 768.
Fixed to 2. Toe rod 758 is preferably a hook
Oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tread 734 as received by 650. Heel rod 75
9 is fixed in the rear recess 770 and is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tread 734.

24 and 25 show the insertion of the boot 720 into the binding. Place the toe of the boot on the hook 650 so that the hook 650 is in the sloped portion 755. Toe rod 758
Is under the hook 650 and the front bridge 634 has a front recess 76
Slide the boot forward to the predetermined position within 8. In this position, the heel rod 759 causes the stationary jaw 600 and the operating jaw 60 to
Directly above 2, there is a rear recess 770 above the rear bridge 632. The heel of the boot is then pushed in to activate the operating jaw 602.
Open to enclose the heel rod 759 between the working jaw 602 and the stationary jaw 600. Thus, in the position shown in FIG. 25, the rear recess 770 surrounds the rear bridge 632. Boots 720
Rest the working jaw 602 by pulling the retraction link 644
Keep it in this position until you can move it away from the 600 and lift the heel of the boot 720 to remove it from the binding.

Thus, the binding described with respect to Figures 21-25 has several advantages. The attachment and detachment of the binding is the same as used in the boot binding system for skis. However, this binding does not allow the boot to be clipped under the bottom of the boot so that the toe and heel of the binding can be placed at or near the edge of the snowboard to fit the standard width of the snowboard. Stop money. Snowboard 2 boots 720
No need to readjust the buckle or strap of boot 720 to attach and detach to 2. Binding mechanism, boots 72
The 0 can be quickly and easily attached and removed as desired. The hook 650, which acts as a toe binding 664, reduces complexity and thus lowers the price of the binding mechanism,
Moreover, it simplifies the binding and facilitates its use. For both carved and freestyle rotations, the lateral direction of the tread 734 to provide desired support to the user's ankle and proper fixation to the snowboard 22, while maintaining desired movement. Inward compression is allowed.

It is advantageous to configure the binding mechanism so that it can be released laterally. This is because the toe and / or heel of the boot often extends slightly beyond the sides of the board. The binding is step-in type and can be released easily.

The embodiments described above provide snowboarders with a number of advantages over snow boots and hiking boots. Edge control is provided by the support structure of boot 20 including highback 26, base 24, and base strap 72, and other straps disclosed herein may be used. In addition, the boot provides the convenience of step-in bindings. Since the strap is attached to the boot itself, it is not necessary to loosen the strap each time the board is removed from one or both feet. In addition, the step-in binding configuration allows compression of the tread 34 to allow the boot 20 to pivot slightly about its point of attachment to the toe binding 64 and heel binding 66, or to the binding itself for additional lateral flexibility. Can be provided.

Thus, edge control and step-in convenience are provided without compromising comfort or freedom of style. Boots are as easy to walk as soles and have greater lateral flexibility for freestyle boarding than hiking boots. Depending on which embodiment is used, the lateral flexibility of boot 20 is as great as the combination of sole and soft binding.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The illustrated and described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Turner, Brent H. Siator, East, Jefferson, Washington, Washington, 3710 (56) References US Patent 5299823 (US, A) US Patent 5177884 (US, A) US Pat. No. 5069473 (US, A) US Pat. No. 3061325 (US, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63C 9/086 A63C 5/00

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A tread surface to which a first substantially horizontal rod is attached, wherein the first rod is arranged at a distance from the tread surface, and is arranged with a longitudinal axis of the tread surface. A boot having treads extending in the same direction; (b) a frame that can be fixed to a snowboard; (c) a frame attached to the frame, protruding upward from the frame, and arranged to engage with the first rod. And (d) a jaw drive mechanism attached to the frame and the movable jaw and having a release arm extending laterally of the frame and the boot when the boot engages the movable jaw. And a binding device for a snowboard. 2. A second jaw mounted on the frame adjacent to the movable jaw, the movable jaw abutting the second jaw when in the closed position. 1. The snowboard binding device according to 1. 3. The snowboard binding device according to claim 2, wherein the second jaw is fixed to the frame. 4. The snowboard of claim 3, wherein the release arm is a lever, and the jaw drive mechanism further comprises a slide member mounted between the release lever and the movable jaw. Binding device. 5. (a) A boot having a front end portion and a rear end portion, the boot further having a tread surface to which a substantially horizontal first rod is attached, the rods being longitudinally spaced. The tread has an attachment point that is open and fixedly connected to the tread, a portion of the rod extends between the attachment points, and the rod is spaced from the tread. Defining a gap between the boot and the front end portion and the rear end portion and extending along the tread surface in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the tread surface, the boot further comprising a second mounting member. (B) a frame that can be fixed to a snowboard; (c) a movable jaw that is attached to the frame and that is arranged to removably engage the portion of the first rod; A jaw drive mechanism attached to the frame and the movable jaw and having a release arm extending laterally of the frame and the boot when the boot engages the movable jaw; and (e) the second attachment. A second jaw attached to the frame so as to be detachably engaged with the member; and a binding device for a snowboard, comprising: